Instructional Rounds - Georgetown ISD

Summary

February 6-8, 2018(Central Texas)

About the Academy:

Instructional Rounds is an instructional improvement practice. Networks of professionals - principals, teachers, central office personnel - from across a district come together to observe in classrooms and engage in deep dialogue about teaching and learning.

Components of Instructional Rounds:

Problem of Practice

Observation

Observation Debrief

Description

Analysis

Prediction

Next Level of Work

Instructional Rounds Academy is an interactive professional development experience that provides district teams with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully implement Instructional Rounds as a powerful improvement practice in their districts. Four to six district member teams, including the top district academic officer, central office personnel, and at least one sitting principal, will work together to learn the four components of Rounds and keys to successful implementation. Eight district teams will be selected for the 2 ½ day training.

Learning Goals:

Develop a deep understanding of the importance of Rounds in building and sustaining an instructional culture

Learn how to create a high quality Problem of Practice, Theory of Action, and Essential Question

Learn how to capture descriptive evidence that can be analyzed and used to improve the Problem of Practice

Learn how to participate in and conduct a high quality debrief that drives the instructional work to learning and action

Learn about the importance of the Rounds Momentum Plan to ensure that Rounds is a powerful instructional improvement practice

Create a plan to ensure a successful implementation of Rounds with fidelity

AGENDA:

Day 1

Creating & Sustaining an Instructional Culture

What’s so different about Rounds?

Developing a Meaningful Problem of Practice and Essential Questions

Observing Instructional Practice: the Power of Descriptive Evidence

Day 2

Analyzing descriptive evidence: How, specifically, does a team do this?

Thinking about Thinking

Participating in a Rounds Simulation

Practicing: the Team Debrief

Day 3 (half day)

Adult learning through critical thinking and dialogue: The Whole Group Debrief

More than one day: Rounds Momentum Plan

Critical Details: Structure, Networks, & Norms

District Success: Who’s driving? What’s the Plan?

Resources for Rounds

Session Date & Location

Session Dates and Times
February 6-8, 2018

Tuesday, February 6 - 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 7 - 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 8 - 8:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Location:Georgetown ISD

Presenter: Sheila Maher is a practitioner with 30+ years of experience. She is formerly the Associate Superintendent of Educational Services for the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. Sheila has served as a teacher, content mastery facilitator, high school principal and assistant superintendent. Her educational interests include educational leadership, content literacy, and instructional improvement practices. Sheila has attended the Instructional Rounds Institutes (Level I and Level II) at Harvard University. She has most recently authored the article, The Promise of an Instructional Improvement Practice: Instructional Rounds (School Business Magazine, 2012). Sheila received her Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois State University, Master’s Degree from Southern Illinois University, and Doctorate Degree from University of North Texas.

“The pacing and organization of the training is excellent. Thank you for walking us through the entire process. It helped to make it all come together.” Rosa Ramos, Deer Park ISD, AP

“This has been the missing piece for our district. It truly is all about what happens in the classroom and the delivery of instruction. It is about adult learning and those teacher moves that impact learning for all students.” Ronda Kouba, Deer Park ISD, Assistant Superintendent

“Dr. Maher, just wanted to say thank you for taking a very complex tool and turning it into manageable pieces.” Stephen Autrey, Bastrop ISD, Principal Bastrop Intermediate School

“This training was very interactive and engaging. It opened my eyes to possibilities in my school with staff to change things for the better. Total Enjoyment!” Heather Richardson, Bastrop ISD, Social Studies teacher

“Great training, one of the best I’ve been to. I loved how it wasn’t a band aid or quick fix. The focus was on quality instruction.” Charity Atteberry, Bastrop ISD, Instructional Coach

• Alice ISD

“This training opened up my eyes to a great action that my district cam implement to help improve student success. We have tried many things, but the details of this presentation showed me some positive changes that can happen at my district.” Alma Garcia, Alice ISD, Director of Federal & Special Programs